Ramen isn't the only style of Japanese cuisine set to grow in Houston in 2014. International chain Gyu-Kaku will bring Yakiniku, Japanese barbecue, to Midtown later this year. Although no opening date has been set, the restaurant has already announced its presence with a Houston-specific Facebook page.

Gyu-Kaku is part of the 700-restaurant REINS International, Inc empire that also includes two Izakayas (drinking houses with food) concepts and a Shabu Shabu (hot pot) restaurant. The company has plans to open 75 Gyu-Kakus across the country by 2015, including locations in Las Vegas and San Diego. They'll join an extensive network of existing restaurants on the East and West Coast.

Either the party scene is growing up, or interactive dining is the perfect pre-gaming activity.

Diners consume Yakiniku similar to Korean barbecue by purchasing plates of meat and grilling it at the table. The options include traditional American cuts like filet mignon and New York strip alongside beef short ribs, skirt steak, tongue, chicken and seafood. The restaurant also serves noodle bowls, rice dishes and vegetables.

It feels like an odd fit for Midtown's bar-oriented scene, but Gyu-Kaku isn't the only Japanese chain to bet on the neighborhood. JINYA Ramen Bar has already announced plans to open at Louisiana and Elgin. Either the party scene is growing up, or interactive dining is the perfect pre-gaming activity.